Indonesia has proved in recent years to be a breathtaking success story. The country’s importance for the global economy can hardly be overestimated. Indonesia is a large democracy with a vast potential for development. This holds true not only in the political and strategic spheres but particularly with regard to economic cooperation. Of course there are still some things in flux internally. But I do have the impression that the special interest we show in Indonesia is justified. To my mind Indonesia is a country that deserves all the attention it gets.
With regard to our bilateral relationship I see great potential for developing relations far beyond the sphere of economic cooperation. One of President Yudhoyono’s goals during his state visit is to make sure that Indonesia is put on the map as a tourist destination. So the fact that the Federal Chancellor and the Indonesian President are together opening the ITB, the world’s biggest tourism fair is a really important signal.